Diezani’s properties up for grabs as EFCC auctions 160 houses and lands 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has auctioned 160 houses and lands worth billions of Naira across the federation. The properties are located in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna and 14 other states.

Residents still occupying the buildings who have no issues with the EFCC can bid for any of the properties. The anti- graft agency also prohibited its staff from participating while it gave the right of first refusal to people living in such property on tendering evidence of valid tenancy agreement and up to date rent payment.

The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that the commencement of the auction had been announced with editorials in major newspapers. Interested participants are expected to submit their bids by Monday, 9 January 2023.

This is coming shortly after the auction of more than 600 vehicles across the country, with 435 of them being auctioned in Lagos.

Read also: Sowore says BVAS will not tackle electoral malpractice

According to the EFCC, the properties to be auctioned off include 61 units of luxury apartments.

There are 18 units of three-bedroom houses forfeited by the former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison- Madueke. According to reports, the property was bought by the former Minister between 2011-2012 at around $37.5m.  Others units of four-bedroom apartments in Yaba were also traced back to Diezani.

Properties of the former head of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, have also been seized. Among the seized properties include properties owned by other state government officials.

Mr. Joseph Momoh, an economist has said the auction is the right thing to do. “As such, when seizures are made, the EFCC liaises with other relevant agencies like the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to ensure that it is in conformity with the laws of the land,” Momoh said.

According to experts, this step by the EFCC will further discourage corruption, if not tackle it, among politicians.